Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin continues his criminal justice reform efforts by restoring voting rights

Criminal justice reform attracts bipartisan support, though there are some specific topics that see a split along party lines.

The restoration of voting rights for ex-felons is one such example, with Democrats tending to be in favor of the legislation and Republicans in opposition. In fact, the outcry over Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s (D-Va.) 2016 decision to restore voting rights to ex-felons was met with criticism from Republicans as high up as then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

On Monday, Gov. Matt Bevin (R-Ky.) defied the partisan split by signing an order that would not only restore voting rights to 24 ex-felons but allow them to hold public office. This was the first order of such a nature that Bevin has signed since assuming office in 2015.

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The order only goes so far. The rights to own a firearm or sit on a jury, for instance, will not be restored. Those who have been convicted of “violent offenses, sex crimes, bribery or treason” will not be considered for such orders.

Regardless, Bevin’s actions are still favorable to criminal justice reform advocates.

And this isn’t his first time making strides in his state. In February, Bevin signed “Ban the box” legislation. Explained in Rare’s “Pardon” series, “Ban the box” initiatives give ex-felons a better chance at finding a job:

The practice removes the initial question about one’s criminal history on job applications. An applicant is then given a fairer chance at being considered for a position, should they be qualified for the job. There is a common misconception that employers will not be allowed to inquire about criminal history at all. In reality, should a potential employee make it through the application process, then they will be subject to a background check like everyone else. It is at this time, after an applicant’s talents and abilities have been considered, than an employer will be able to decide if their criminal past overshadows their skills.

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A press release and a statement from Bevin were also shared on Monday:

Gov. Bevin Restores Right to Vote, Hold Officehttps://t.co/1pal9e7wOG pic.twitter.com/DXg4PLswL6

— Governor Matt Bevin (2015-2019) (@GovMattBevin) April 3, 2017

“We have always been a nation of second chances,” he explained. “The criminal justice system should not exist solely to punish offenders, but also to rehabilitate and assimilate them back into society.”